The Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum in Atchison, Kansas, celebrates the courageous adventures of one of Kansas’ most well-known heroines.
The Hangar Museum, which debuted in April 2023, features exhibits celebrating Amelia’s adventurous childhood growing up in Kansas, the rise of her global fame and her accomplishment as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
What Kids Will Love
The museum is full of interactive exhibits demonstrating the mechanics of flight, the uniforms Amelia wore as part of her many careers, a game demonstrating women’s role as riveters during the war, and more. My kids’ favorite was crawling inside the shockingly small cockpit to sit in Amelia’s seat in a model of the plane she flew in her final flight. We even found the rather gross answer to the question, “how did she go the bathroom?!” The guides are eager to interact with visitors and are passionate about explaining history and aviation at a kid friendly level.
There is a separate virtual reality flight experience you can participate in for an additional cost of $5.
What Moms Will Love
The museum is contained in one large room (with a small, open upstairs area). We were able to all take in the exhibits at our own pace while the kids spent additional time at the interactive areas.
Stroller and Wheelchair Accessibility
The exhibits are mostly contained on one level and an elevator can take you to the small upstairs area which addresses star patterns and the conspiracies about Ameila’s ultimate demise.
Who It’s Best For
Elementary age kids and teens will get the most out of the museum but the interactive elements will keep a toddler busy enough to give everyone else time to read. On your drive to Atchison, listen to this two-part podcast from National Geographic about Amelia Earhart’s life and mysterious death.
Admission + Hours
Admission to the museum is $15 for adults, $8 for kids ages 8-12 and free for kids 3 and under. The Museum participates in the Sunflower Summer program, offering free admission to kids and their adults during the summer months.
The museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Open hours are:
Wednesday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: noon to 5 p.m.
Last entry at 4 pm daily.
The Museum is open each year on Memorial Day and Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Easter, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
What Else to Visit
Just a few minutes down the road, visit the 20th Century home that Amelia grew up i at the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum.
Special Events
The Museum offers camps and special lectures on all things Amelia and aviation. The highlight of year, though, is the Amelia Earhart Festival, in July, which celebrates Amelia’s life with a carnival, ice cream social, fun run, fireworks and more!
